CINCINNATI – Right tackle Wayne Hunter is not expected to play in Friday night’s preseason opener for the Jets.

Hunter has missed practice this week with tightness in his lower back, but coach Rex Ryan had not ruled him out when he spoke to the media Wednesday.

Austin Howard is expected to start in place of Hunter. The Jets are also playing without starting wide receiver Santonio Holmes (ribs) and nose tackle Sione Po’uha (head). Chaz Schilens is expected to start in place of Holmes. Kenrick Ellis is expected to start in place of Po’uha.